Mums, daughters, grannies, sisters, friends and workmates from across Teesside raised an estimated £80,000 for Cancer Research today when they took on this year’s Race For Life .

Middlesbrough’s Centre Square was a sea of pink this morning as 1,700 women and girls limbered up ready to take part in Cancer Research’s annual Race For Life 5k run.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping save the lives of men, women and children across the North-east and the UK.

Steph Wilson, 30, was taking part for the second time having raised over £1,000 in last year’s event with work colleagues at Cleveland Cable Company.

Steph said: “My husband’s daughter died of a brain tumour when she was just two years old and my grandad has battled prostate and bladder cancer among other friends affected by other cancer types.

“A close friend, who we now call Fluffy, because of how her hair grew back after chemo, is currently going through treatment and facing her diagnosis with such bravery.

“She’s a real hero how she’s faced everything thrown at her when she is facing terminal cancer.

“Her daughter is my close friend and what she has been through over the last few years is terrible. Her dad has fought bowel cancer and won, now her mother is affected, she has put her own health on hold to support her mother, she too is a special and brave woman.

“It’s so important to support Cancer Research UK and the work it’s doing to find a cure. That’s why I’m taking part in Race for Life.”

“My mum was diagnosed in July last year,” said Rosie. “It all happened really quickly from her being diagnosed to getting treatment.

“It got sorted and she’s doing well now, that’s why Cancer Research is such a good cause.”

Georgina Thornton, event manager for Race for Life in Middlesbrough , said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many women entered Race for Life in Middlesbrough again this year. We’ve got 1,700 people who were already signed up and quite a few who are signing up today.

“We’ve raised over £80,000 today, which is fantastic.”

Georgina thanked the event’s sponsors and volunteers which included Heart FM, the Army Reserve girls and the Girl Guides.

And less than 20 minutes after setting off, 14-year-old Laura Havis from Stockton was the first to cross the finishing line with a time of just 19 mins 47 secs.